phono cartridge help


Hope everyone is doing good. It was a cold one here in NH Saturday, So I had some indoor time and was looking to replace my cartridge. My head started spinning with everything that came into play with compliance, Capacitance, stylus type, output voltage and my limited options.

What affect would I get going from an output of 5.5 to a 4.0 or to a 6.5mV?

Turntable is a fixed 20 vta am I stuck with a 20 vta cartridge?

Opinions on these:  

Prestige 3 Series  

Audio-Technica VM740ML  (0.5 g over limit)

Nagaoka MP- 200

Goldring 1006 vta 24

With what I have now it is very limited to upgrades but I'm not ready to spend the money on a proper phono system, in 2 or 3 years.

I listen to Yes, Stevie Nicks, Tom Petty, Eddie money, steely dan, David Bowie, the Cars, Rickie Lee Jones, Traffic, the Who, Savoy Brown, Van Halen.

What I have:

I clean my records with an ultrasonic cleaner and anti-static brush, I would grade my records at vg/vg+

Fluance RT85 Ortofon 2M Blue cartridge (VTA not adjustable)
SUPPORTED CARTRIDGE WEIGHT0.18 – 0.25 oz (5.0 – 7.5 g)
 COUNTERWEIGHT Yes – 3.60 oz (102 g)
EFFECTIVE TONEARM MASS 0.97 oz (27.5 g)
OVERHANG 0.76 inches (19.2 mm)
HEADSHELL MOUNTH-4 Bayonet Mount
Cartridge weight must be between 5.0 to 7.5 grams with a height of 18mm and 20° Vertical Tracking Angle.

YAQIN MS-23B
Tubes: 12AX7B × 2 (Voltage preamplifier)
Output Voltages: 0.5V (400Hz input/500mv)
Input Sensitivity: ≤4.0mV (400Hz, 0.5V output)
Cartridge Suitability: MM (Moving Magnet) cartridge.

Legacy Audio Signature SE speakers

Primaluna EVO400 (KT150)

 

 

 

 

128x1281jafa

Grade can be a little smooth and rolled off. I think you might be disappointed. The Nag has detail, fine bass. a sweet tone, and musicality. 

Thanks Noromance, I needed that.

I just bought the Nagaoka MP200 last night and was second guessing myself.

I would like to get to a point where I have a couple cartridges to choose from.

Thanks again for sharing your experience it is much appreciated. 

@1jafa , Good choice. Where in NH are you? I'm in Atkinson just north of Haverhill, MA.